Lions Rushing Attack 'Speaks Volumes' About Reserves

Detroit Lions made a concerted effort to rush the football against the Indianapolis Colts.

The Detroit Lions are searching for an offensive identity. 

General manager Brad Holmes and the coaching staff have solidified the offensive line to the point there are actually elevated expectations for the entire offense. 

But, for offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to unlock the explosive potential this offense possesses, the running game must be an integral part of the game plan each and every week this season. 

Against the Colts, starters D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams did not see the field, paving way for reserves Craig Reynolds, Jermar Jefferson, Justin Jackson and Godwin Igwebuike to showcase their potential. 

The offense set the tone early and committed to rushing the football all afternoon against the Colts on the road. 

Trevor Ruszkowski, USA TODAY Sports

In the end, the team finished with 174 rushing yards on the ground and provided additional clues regarding which reserves elevated or lowered their stock.  

"First, I'd say it was a good job by Ben Johnson calling the game," Dan Campbell said postgame. "It was something we wanted to do this game was establish the run and get a good look at some of these linemen and certainly the backs. 

"That was going to be big to give Craig (Reynolds) and (Jermar) Jefferson and those guys a load and, you know, (Justin) Jackson, Godwin (Igwebuike). I think it speaks volumes to me. It says that these guys are doing what we're asking them to do. They're taking the coaching. It says our coaching staff put together a good plan and the fundamentals showed up more than it didn't. And there's always things to clean up. But, it was good to see that."

The four aforementioned running backs each saw seven carries in Week 2 of the preseason. 

Jackson finished with 54 yards rushing, followed by Reynolds with 37 yards, Igwebuike with 32 yards and Jefferson with 25 yards on the ground.